The Ilocos Times Daily

15/11/2024

Keon ‘hurt’ by proposed P1B alternate road issue

LAOAG CITY—Mayor Michael M. Keon said he was hurt by the issue brought about by the proposed P1 billion alternate road project starting from the Gilbert Bridge and going to the bypass road to avoid congestion of traffic when the big mall starts its operations.

Keon said in an interview with the members of the local media in reaction to an earlier statement made by Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos.

“Medyo nadismaya lang kami sa nangyari noong nakaraan pati iyong tatay ko [Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] ko at si senadora [Sen. Imee Marcos] nagulat noong humingi ang city hall sa aking opsina ng PHP1 billion para sa isang kalsada papunta sa SM na ang sinabi na ang SM daw ay magbibigay ng PHP500 million at ang pondo ng distrito ay magbibigay din ng PHP500 million. Noong pina-check ko sa DPWH kung magkano talaga ang magagastos pero ang dumating na total cost ay PHP30 million lamang. So paano naging PHP 1 billion ang isang kalsada na PHP30 million,” Sandro said.

“Paano kung hindi ko pina-check at nag ‘oo’ ako sa pagbigay ng PHP500 million para sa kalsada na yan, PHP470 million ang nasayang diyan,” he added.

Relative to this, he said that he will not let this to happen saying a lot of multi-purpose buildings, flood control projects, rehabilitation of bridges and covered courts could be built with that PHP470 million.

It was learned that the issue was brought out when Sandro formally announced the decision of his family to endorse Laoag councilor James Bryan Alcid for mayor as against the incumbent mayor and his uncle Keon and three-term Laoag councilor and PCL national president Handy T. Lao for vice mayor against incumbent Laoag vice mayor Rey Carlos Farinas.

On February 21 and 22, 2024, Keon sent a letter to the 1st District Congressional Office and to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, respectively, explaining the need to create an alternate road as a result of their earlier talk with Sandro and his staff Ryan Remigio during the last Pamulinawen Festival.

Keon said that the proposed road will start at the bottom of the Gilbert Bridge with a small bridge that connects going down directly to the mall and continue all the way going to the bypass road.

He said that the reason the large amount came out was the construction of a d**e parallel to the Padsan River, purchase of private lots and some other aspects, and the mall owner agreed to the figure and promised to pay PHP500 million with the hope that the national government could also give the same amount which was also relayed to the Congressional Office and to the DPWH.

What is funny, according to Keon, was that Sandro already knew the proposed project since Feb. 8, 2024 during their talks, and he wonders why he would only bring out this issue eight months later and giving an impression that he is “corrupt”.

He said that the project will be handled by the DPWH, SM and maybe the 1st Congressional District, and that the city government will not do anything with the project.

“We are only trying to implement the project that will benefit our kailians here in Laoag because the opening of the SM will cause horrendous traffic and we must have an alternate road,” he said.

City engineer Marishel Batuac also presented to the members of the media the proposed project plan of the alternate road.

Batuac said that there will be an underpass below the Gilbert Bridge, more or less 100 meters long, which would need the expansion of the existing flood control from 7.5 meters width to become 14.5 meters, solar lights on both sides, and widen also alternate roads going down from the d**es along Brgys. Tangid and Nalbo with solar lights.

Batuac added that the existing d**e is still useful, however, it needs to provide concrete phasing before its concrete pavement at the top of the d**e.

She summarized that the proposed PHP1 billion worth of alternate road will include the purchase of about 20,000 square meter lots, expansion of flood control, concrete pavement, solar lights, underpass, and widening of tributary roads.

Keon also stressed that the amount of the project is still a “proposal” and it will be the DPWH and SM that will handle it if it pushes through.

“I am very sorry to say this, that what my kaanakan said was really not correct and I have to defend myself. I feel really bad. Because the day before, I [was] actually campaigning [for] the Team Marcos. We are actually going around distributing in Gabu and everywhere then the next day….bang….look what happened. Why, why like that. I’m just surprise the way everything took place. We don’t have to go thru a repetition of 2022 again. I don’t get it,” he concluded.

(Dominic B. dela Cruz)

Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon and city engineer Marishel Batuac answer and explain the issue of the P1 billion proposed alternate road in reply to the statement made by Rep. Ferdinand Alexandor Sandro Marcos.

Doms dela Cruz

12/11/2024

Are you a Filipino community leader aged 26 to 39? If you’re passionate about equality, women’s rights, environmental sustainability, civic engagement, conflict resolution, or combating corruption, this is your opportunity to gain new skills and have a positive impact on your community!

Apply to the Community Solutions Program, a professional exchange initiative that aims to help participants improve their communities. You may submit your applications until November 13. For more information on the program and the application process, visit: http://bit.ly/csp2025apply.

The application for the 2025 Community Solutions Program is now open and will be due November 13, 2024.Apply Today!

12/11/2024

On the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson,
Department of National Defense - Philippines Under Secretary Irineo Espino, and American Battle Monuments Commission Chairman Michael Garrett honored Veterans who served and sacrificed for our countries and the freedom we strive to protect in a ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Read more about the Veterans Day ceremony in Manila here:

Manila, November 11, 2024—Today, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson led a Veterans Day ceremony in Manila to pay tribute to American and Filipino military service members, both living and deceased, and remember their contributions to freedom and democracy.

11/11/2024

Trump Victory – Is it an “Act of God”?

On Election Day, November 5, a Caucasian asked me: “Who do you think will win?” My reply was: “I am a Republican and I hope that Trump will win. But the anti-Trump media has made it appear that the election is close and that Harris will win. So I leave everything to God. I trust that God wants America and the world to be better.”
I believe that when Trump was saved from assassination, God saved him. He must have had a plan for him.
The atheists and agnostics might quibble: “What’s all this talk about God? Did not Trump campaign hard in the battleground states?” (A “battleground state” is a state that could be won by either a Democrat or Republican presidential candidate). Trump indeed concentrated his campaign in the battleground states. His contributors reportedly poured money on attracting the undecided voters.
The strategy paid off. Trump won 312 electoral votes to 226 for Harris. Trump won all the battleground states, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona.

ISSUES
The main issue in this election was the economy. In the only debate between Trump and Harris, the moderator’s first question was “Do you believe Americans are better off than they were four years ago?” “NO” is the answer of most people.
The average inflation rate under the first Trump presidency was 1.9% while under Biden-Harris it is 5.7%. The high prices is apparent in food, gas, credit card and mortgage interest rates.
Illegal immigration was another major issue. Trump denounced the millions of illegal aliens, many of whom are criminals or sick with contagious diseases or carrying dangerous drugs and guns, claiming that the Biden-Harris administration was allowing them to enter the country. They are taking jobs away from African Americans and Hispanics, Trump warned.
The threat of nuclear war was also an issue. Biden was risking a nuclear war with Russia by supporting and sending weapons to Ukraine to attack Russia. Putin was reported to have said that if NATO helps Ukraine fire long-range missiles at Russia there will be a war with NATO with the likelihood that Russia would use nuclear weapons.

WHAT NOW?
On the day after the election, the stock market rose by more than 1,000 points. The Federal Reserve Bank cut the interest rate.
Trump is not against aliens. He is against illegal aliens. Trump announced that his administration has “no choice” but to carry out mass deportation of illegal aliens, regardless of the cost. The federal government is considering using the national guard and asking local law enforcement authorities for assistance. (I have received calls about this matter from Filipinos who fear that they might be deported. If you are a TNT (tago ng tago), you might not be the principal target but might be picked up when the immigration authorities make their sweep of illegal aliens. So, it is best to legalize your stay. You have the benefit of having entered the U.S. with a visa unlike the illegal aliens. You have simply overstayed.)
The dollar will become stronger under the Trump administration.
Trump is a protector of American industries and plans to impose tariffs on imported goods. He wants our country to become self-sufficient on energy.
Trump has promised less regulation and lower taxes.
Trump said that he will end the Russian-Ukraine war even before he is inaugurated.
Many of Trump’s plans and policies might not require congressional approval. To the extent that they do, Republicans won control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and they will approve them.

TRUMP VICTORY, TULSI, AND HAWAII
We are fortunate in Hawaii that we have Tulsi Gabbard, the daughter of State Senator Mike Gabbard and Carol Porter Gabbard. She attended two years of school in the Philippines. Only 21 in 2002, Tulsi was the youngest to be elected as a Representative in the Hawaii legislature. At that time she was Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo. Her first husband Eduardo Tamayo is said to be from Laoag. After serving in the military in Iraq, she ran and won as a Representative for Hawaii’s second congressional district. I was at the launch of her presidential candidacy in 2019. Tulsi resigned from the Democrat Party, and supported Trump. She has become very close to Trump and helped prepare Trump in the debate against Harris.
Tulsi said on X (formerly Twitter): “This election result is a mandate. It rejects the neocons’ agenda of costly, unnecessary wars and embraces Trump’s promise to end wars, prevent global conflicts, revive our economy, and lower the cost of living for Americans.”
We anticipate a cabinet position for Tulsi in the Trump administration. From that vantage point she can help Hawaii.

(Disclosure: I first met citizen Donald J. Trump on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio, at the Republican National Convention. I was a
Trump delegate from Hawai’i. After his nomination, he met with the original 500 of his supporters. I was invited. When he shook my hand, I handed him my business card, he read it, then he looked at me, smiled, and put the card inside the left pocket of his jacket. I said “God bless you, Mr. President.” God blessed him - he was elected the 45th President of the United States. And now he has been elected the 47th President of the United States.)

Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon was a Fulbright and Smith-Mundt scholar to Yale Law School where he was awarded a Master of Laws degree specializing in Constitutional Law. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. He placed third in the 1955 bar examinations. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, New York, and the Philippines. He practices federal law, with emphasis on constitutional issues, immigration law, and appellate federal criminal defense. He was the Dean and a Professor of Law of the College of Law, Northwestern University, Philippines. He has written law books and legal articles for the world’s most prestigious legal publishers including Thomson West and Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Co. and writes columns for newspapers. He wrote the case notes and annotations for the entire Immigration and Nationality Act published by The Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Co. and Bancroft-Whitney Co. (now Thomson Reuters). He wrote the best-seller "Winning by Knowing Your Election Laws.” Atty. Tipon was born in Laoag City, Philippines. Cell Phone (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]. Website: https://www.tiponimmigrationguide.com
The information provided in this article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Publication of this information is not intended to create, and receipt by you or reading by you does not establish or constitute an attorney-client relationship.)

10/11/2024

The San Nicolas LNB members attended the 3-day Ilocos Norte Chapter Provincial Summit 2024 held on November 9-11 at the Subic Bay Travellers Hotel and Convention Center, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, Zambales with a Theme: Progression on the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay Road to Excellent and Outstanding Service Delivery headed by LNB Ilocos Norte President Hon. Ryan John Pascua. The Summit likewise focused on the Skills Enhancement on the Roles, Duties and Responsibilities of Barangay Officials an Imperative to Have an Effective, Efficient, Accountable and Laudable Service Providers.

10/11/2024

Brgy. 21, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte PB Pete Duldulao takes his oath of office before Mayor Angel Miguel Hernando as the newly appointed Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB) president of San Nicolas to replace the late Brgy. 6 PB Mark Adrian Barba.

10/11/2024

Official Statement of the Barba Family regarding of the passing of Mark Adrian Barba, who was the San Nicolas LNB president and PB of Brgy. 6, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.

24/10/2024

IN gets P15B investment from Megaworld Corp

LAOAG CITY—In a landmark development for Ilocos Norte’s economic growth, Megaworld Corporation has committed PHP15 billion to establish a premium 84-hectare mixed-use beachfront community in the province.

Megaworld Corporation is the country’s leading property developer known for creating integrated urban townships that combine residential, commercial, and leisure spaces.

The project, named “Ilocandia Coastown,” will be Megaworld’s 34th township development and its first in Ilocos Norte, marking a significant investment in the province.

The Ilocandia Coastown project will combine luxury living, commercial spaces, and tourism-oriented facilities to create a sustainable coastal community, while also generating business opportunities and local employment to boost the province’s economy.

Ilocos Norte Governor Mat-thew Joseph M. Manotoc ex-pressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Thank you, Kevin Tan, and everyone at Megaworld Corporation. I look forward to working with you.”

Megaworld’s chief executive officer, Kevin Tan, remarked that Ilocandia Coastown is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to building integrated urban communities that spur regional growth.

“This is a wonderful start for our group’s investment in the Ilocos Region, particularly in the capital city of Laoag. We see many opportunities in this part of the country, especially in tourism, and we hope to unlock these opportunities through this development.”

“As we invest PHP15 billion over the next decade to develop Ilocandia Coastown, we are excited to bring Megaworld’s signature “Live-Work-Play” lifestyle concept to Northern Luzon. Together, we are creating not just townships, but desti-nations where communities can truly thrive,” Tan added.

The entire development will draw architectural inspiration from Filipino and Spanish heri-tage designs while featuring its own 1.4-kilometer beachfront and an area of sand dunes for which Ilocos Norte is famous for.

Situated strategically next to the Fort Ilocandia Hotel, the project site is approximately 15 minutes from Laoag International Airport and less than 30 minutes from the St. Augustine Church in Paoay town.

According to a study conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in April this year, the Ilocos Region ranks as the third fastest-growing economy in the Philippines, behind Central Visayas and Western Visayas.

The provincial government of Ilocos Norte continues to champion this transformative project through its INVEST Office, actively promoting the province as a prime destination for investment and development, enhancing its appeal for high-end tourism, and attracting further investments to solidify Ilocos Norte’s position as a leading destination in Northern Luzon. (Mariell J. Pahinag)

24/10/2024

Ilocos Norte wins 6th ‘Best Tourism-Oriented LGU’ award

LAOAG CITY—Ilocos Norte won its sixth “Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit” with its second runner-up finish in the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines and Department of Tourism’s (ATOP-DOT) Pearl Awards for Best Tourism Practices 2024 in Koronadal City on Oct. 10, 2024.

The province won the top award in 2023 and 2018 and now has four (4) runner-up finishes in the said category since 2016.

The ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards, which recognizes the pioneering projects of local government units toward the development of the country’s tourism industry, was part of the ATOP 25th National Convention.

Ilocos Norte has been recognized for its wide-ranging efforts to boost tourism, enhancing its status as a prime destination in the country. The province’s strategic promotion of its attractions has drawn both local and international visitors. Also, its focus on sustainable tourism blends nature, culture, and innovation, has ensured long-term preservation of the province’s heritage.

Under the Metro Ilocos Norte Master Development Plan, infra-structure improvements have made the province more accessible to tourists. The provincial government’s commitment to cultural preservation is likewise evident through events, preservation projects, and community engagement.

Moreover, collaboration with stakeholders has fueled sector growth, while safety measures have been implemented to ensure a secure experience for visitors. Efficient data reporting between local government units and the Department of Tourism further strengthened coordination and transparency in the province’s tourism initiatives.
In 2023, Ilocos Norte experi-enced a notable tourism surge, surpassing the previous year’s figures, with tourism receipts reaching PHP8.9 billion. Day visitors climbed to nearly 3.6 million, while returning visitors made up 52% of total arrivals. Foreign tourist numbers rose by 51%, and air travel saw a substan-tial 67% increase, signaling strong recovery and growth in the province’s tourism sector.

In addition to the main award, Ilocos Norte was named the grand winner in the Best Tourism Promotions-Brochure category. The winning brochure, styled as a passport, featured QR codes that provide instant access to tourism information through mobile phones.

Other notable entries from the province included second runner-up finishes in the Best Tourism Promotions-Video category for “Raise Your Flag,” featuring beauty queen Catriona Gray, and in the Best Tourism Event-Festival category for the “Tan-ok ni Ilocano: Festival of Festivals.”

The awards were accepted by the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, led by its officer-in-charge Xavier Ruiz.

In his State of the Province AddressIlocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc stated: “We have continued our initiatives to improve infrastructure, develop and enhance tourist attractions, and promote our province globally. Natatangi ang Ilocos Norte. We believe Ilocos Norte tourism is second to none, and we aim to etch our position as a premier tourist destination in the country.”

Ilocos Norte, along with the Suba Sand Dunes of Paoay, is also nominated in the Tourism Destination of the Year category at the upcoming 2024 DOT Philippine Tourism Awards.

24/10/2024

Megaworld Corporation, addan ditoy Ilocos Norte

Sabali manen a balligi ti ti nagun-od ti administrasion ni Gob. Marcos Manotoc. Daytoy ket ti kaaddan ti Megaworld Corporation ditoy probinsia. Daytoy a kompanya ket eksperto iti benneg ti makunkuna a township development. Ti Ilocos Norte ti maika-34 a lugar iti pagilian a pakaipatungpalan daytoy a proyekto. Ni. Gob. Marcos Manotoc ti nangiyalikagum a sumrek daytoy iti probinsia.

Babaen iti Megaworld Corporation, ti aglawa iti 84 nga ektarya a lote a masakupan ti Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel ken iti lawlawna ket ma-develop ken mapagbalin nga Ilocandia Coastown. Iti uneg ti maysa a dekada, umabot iti 15 a bilion a pisos ti nakasagana a busbusen ti nasao a kompania. Dagiti opisiales ti nasao a kompania ket saan a nagpangadua nga sumrek tapno agpuonan ditoy probinsia.

Ti Ilocos Region ket maikatlo a kapartakan a dumur-as ti ekonomia na iti intero a pagilian. Malaksid iti dayta, ti Laoag City ti maysa kadagiti 25 a siudad ti pagilian a pinili ti Department of Information and Communications Technology a benepisiario iti Digital Cities 2025 program.

Sigurado a dakkel ti maipaay daytoy a pagsayaatan kadagiti kakailian. Dumur-as ti ekonomia ti probinsia, ad-adda pay nga umado dagiti lokal ken gangannaet nga turista ken kangrunaana, mapataud dagiti adu a pagtrabahoan a pakabenepisiaran dagiti kakailian.

PGIN, nakasaganan iti isasangbay ni Bagyo Kristine

Inbilin ni Gob. Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc ti ensigida a panagsagana tapno maliklikan ti posible a didigra nga isangbay ni Bagyo Kristine ditoy probinsia ti Ilocos Norte. Segun kadagiti pakdaar ti Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), nalawa ti masakupan ti nasao a bagyo, ken mairaman ti probinsia. Dagiti nagduduma nga Disaster Offices ti probinsia kangrunaanna ti Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council ket nangiparuar kadagiti nagduduma a pakdaar tapno iti kasta, mapakaamoan dagiti kakailian no ania dagiti nasken nga inda aramiden no adda ti sumangbay a kalamidad kangrunanna ti bagyo ken layus tapno mailiklik iti peggad.

Iti biang ti agrikultura ken livestock, ensigida a binagaan ti Provincial Agriculture Office iti panangidaulo ni Engr. Teresa Bacnat dagiti mannalon ti ensigida a panangapitdan kadagiti pagayda tapno maliklikanda ti ad-adu a perdision. Dagiti taraken kangrunaanna ti baka, nuang, kalding, karnero ken ad-adu pay a sabsabali ket masapul a maipan kadagiti natalged a lugar.

Kakailian, iti tunggal sumangbay a kalamidad, limitado dagiti maaramidantayo kas tao, ngem babaen iti naiget a panagkararag, dakkel ti maaramidantayo. Ngarud, nasken ti intayo panagkararag kenni Apo Dios ken kiddawentayo ti panangsalaknibna kadatayo iti daytoy a peggad.

24/10/2024

BATAC councilor Markee Chua helps distribute relief packs after a typhoon devastates the City of Batac.

24/10/2024

TOG1 SERVES

On 19 October 2024, Tactical Operations Group 1 in partnership with Apicius Culinary Art and Hotel Management Inc. - Laoag Branch conducted Gift
- Giving and Feeding Activity at Brgy. 31 Gawad Kalinga, Talingaan, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. This event benefited 42 families within the area. This effort highlights how much the Unit cares about helping the community and inspiring others. This initiative also serves the mission of safeguarding national security and public well-being, symbolizing solidarity and unity across uniformed personnel, stakeholders and communities served.

24/10/2024

Laoag's prominent businessman running for Board Member of IN

Laoag City Business Icon JOHANSON CHUA has confirmed his candidacy for a seat in the provincial board of the 1st District of Ilocos Norte under the Nacionalista Party or the Team Marcos during a press interview with the members of the tri-media.
Should he become a Board Member, Chua said he will concentrate on boosting the province's economy particularly in the field of business by helping the Small Medium-Sized Businesses (SMES) to become better, much bigger and more competitive; he would create measures or laws at the Sanggunniang Panlalawigan to accelerate the province's progress uttering the phrase ''Para Iti Sapasap a Pinagprogreso''. Being the top taxpayer in the City of Laoag, he has been helping the sick, and has even donated ambulance to the province.
Chua's company is also one of the first in the distribution of relief goods in times of calamities. Now, with his slogan "Baro a Rupa Ngem Nabayag nga Agserserbin", he asserts that he has been helping the community for a long time through his business company, even if he might become a neophyte in the local government. ''Ngem ita sapay la kuma ta adda gasat appo tapnu ad-adun to pay dagiti matulungan ta adda kan idiay proper venue a makatulong kan,'' said Chua.
His plan to make Laoag City a more progressive city will always be there, however, he wants a wider coverage, which is the whole province, so it would become one of best and most progressive provinces in the North.

Doms dela Cruz

24/10/2024

OPM soul singer, rapper to headline 2024 ‘Himala sa Buhangin!’

LAOAG CITY—”Himala sa Buhangin!” is set to return to the Paoay Sand Dunes on Nov. 16, 2024, headlined by popular original Pilipino music (OPM) artists Zack Tabudlo and Shanti Dope.
This year’s arts and mu-sic festival will showcase the runs of Tabudlo, known for hits like “Binibini” and “Nangangamba,” alongside the verses of Shanti Dope, whose tracks such as “Nadarang” and “Amatz” have made waves in the Filipino music scene.
Now in its 11th year, “Himala sa Buhangin!” has evolved into a major cultural event in Northern Luzon, typically held in May to coincide with Ilocos Norte’s provincial fiesta. The shift in date to November signals the start of the holiday season celebrations.
The festival will feature a variety of activities, including a beach volleyball competition, sandboarding, a 4x4 off-road race, arcade games, art installations, and perfor-mances from local bands and creatives.
Adding to the excitement, popular Filipino influencers like Queen Dura, Fhukerat, Ernalyn, Pipay Kipay, Chris-tian Antolin, Kimpoy Feliciano, and Jhon Bonifacio are scheduled to attend, drawing in fans eager to engage with their favorite online personalities. Basketball legends James Yap and Arwind Santos will also make appearances, appealing to sports enthusiasts. More influencers are expected to join the lineup.
The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has partnered with SM Tickets to broaden the festival’s reach to the Metro Manila and Metro Cebu markets. Ticket prices are set to enhance the festival experience, with rates at PHP1,500 for Gold, PHP500 for Silver A, and PHP300 for Silver B when booked through SM Tickets. Special rates for Ilocos Norte residents offer dis-counts of PHP750 for Gold, PHP200 for Silver A, and free admission for Silver B.
In addition to music and performances, festival-goers can explore art installations inspired by Filipino cult clas-sics such as “Himala,” “Ang Panday,” and “Temptation Island,” as well as local folklore. The Paoay Sand Dunes, which have served as a popular filming location for various movies, continue to be a vibrant hub for film, arts, and sports, featuring interactive installations.
The festival will also highlight homegrown enterprises in food and beverage, providing businesses with the opportunity to promote them-selves while attendees savor distinct Ilokano offerings.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc expressed his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing its role in showcasing the culture and creativity of Ilocos Norte while attracting local talents and international visitors. He will also host business groups from Hawaii and South Korea to strengthen tourism and stimulate economic growth in the province through potential investments.
In previous years, “Himala sa Buhangin!” has drawn record-breaking crowds, featuring memo-rable performances from renowned artists such as Bamboo, Kamikaze, Ely Buendia, and Aegis, among others.
(PGIN-CMO)

24/10/2024

TOURISM BOOST. The Paoay Lake Natural Park in Ilocos Norte. The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority will help develop Paoay Lake and Paoay Sand Dunes through a PHP180 million funding to encourage more tourists to visit the province.

13/10/2024

"JESUS IS LORD" MARKS 46TH ANNIVERSARY

Thousands of JIL members led by Bro. Eddie Villanueva celebrated their 46th year with the Theme: "CHRIST IS THE ANSWER" at Luneta in Manila on October 12, 2024.

Photos courtesy of Nestor Tugade Layderos

11/10/2024

75 YEARS OF CARMELITE NUNS OF LAOAG
Friday, October 11, 2024